Ganado native nominated for sailor of the year award

Navy Counselor First Class (SW) Phillip Lopez was honored as one of the finalists in the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet annual Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year Week, Feb. 24 to March 1.

The finalists took part in board interviews, command events and community outreach activities, including meeting with Pearl Harbor survivors, a visit to USS Midway Museum, the San Diego Zoo and other area attractions.

They also attended professional development sessions at SURFPAC headquarters and a Landing Craft Air Cushion tour and demonstration on the waterfront.

The week concluded with the announcement of the sea and shore Sailors of the Year at a banquet at Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, Calif., on March 1. Lopez graduated from Ganado High School in 1997. He is the son of Phala Shanks, of Ganado, and the late Johnny Lopez.